New York — Carlos Santana sang and the stars came out as Samsung’s seventh annual Four Seasons of Hope gala generated $1.1 million for many of their top charities.
Held here last night at Cipriani Wall Street, the annual gala benefits charities that center on children and families. Regis Philbin hosted, and he was joined by first-time co-hosts Michael Strahan, who just retired from the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, and Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins.
The Samsung Four Seasons of Hope recognizes the charitable efforts of sports, entertainment and political notables, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Palmer, Joe Torre, Boomer Esiason and Dan Marino through fundraising programs tied to major retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears and the recently added Staples.
Carlos Santana gave a special live performance at the event where his Milagro Foundation was one of the benefiting charities. The Milagro Foundation is an organization that supports children and youth charities.
The event featured a roster of celebrities, including former New York Giants linebackers Carl Banks and Harry Carson, as well as rookie receiver Mario Manningham. TV celebrities in attendance included Jill Zarin and Bethenny Frankel of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” Vincent Pastore of “The Sopranos,” David Norona and Paul Blackstone of “Lipstick Jungle,” Katrina Bowden of “30 Rock,” Amanda Barker and Chrishell Stause of “All My Children,” and Rene Fris and Laurie Ann Gibson of “Shear Genius.”
An online and silent auction of unique experiences, such as an “Ultimate Santana Package,” and sports memorabilia, also helped raise funds for all of the participating foundations and charities.
“Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope is proud to begin its seventh year on such a positive note by raising over 1 million dollars for the program’s charities and providing a wonderful performance by Carlos Santana,” said D.J. Oh, president and CEO, Samsung Electronics America. “It is especially exciting and encouraging to see all of our partners and celebrities coming together to benefit children and families. Samsung looks forward to being able to support these charitable efforts for years to come.”
Launched in 2002 by Samsung Electronics America, the Four Seasons of Hope has raised to date more than $12 million for charity with cooperation of Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears and Staples.
Among the charities that benefit from the program are:
- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women of Orlando, Fla.
- Boomer Esiason Foundation to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis.
- St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers of New York City.
- The Dan Marino Foundation.
- The Wayne Gretzky Foundation.
- The Jason Taylor Foundation
- The Michael Strahan Foundation.
- Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation.
For more information about Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope, visit www.fourseasonsofhope.com.
